Big Bust! Four Men Jailed Over £3.6m Southampton Cannabis Factory
Four men have been locked up following a massive police raid on a Southampton cannabis factory linked to organised crime. The operation uncovered an illicit grow worth an eye-watering £3.6 million a year.
Heavy Sentences for Gang Members
- Agron Elezaj, 27, from London
- Amarildo Sulaj, 23, from Doncaster
- Rexhino Koci, 26, and Damiano Saraci, 30, both homeless
They appeared at Winchester Crown Court on July 11. Sulaj and Koci admitted major roles in the cannabis production, while Elezaj and Saraci took the rap for smaller parts. Sulaj got 4 years and 4 months, Koci 4 years, with Elezaj and Saraci each handed 20 months. The total jail time? Nearly 12 years behind bars.
Raiding a Crime Factory with Links to Modern Slavery
Last year, cops uncovered an organised crime group running a huge cannabis factory from an industrial unit on Pitt Road, Southampton. The factory was suspected to be tied to modern-day slavery.
Early on January 11, dozens of officers stormed the site after a court granted a search warrant. The raid used dog units and drones to seal off the area, stopping any chance of escape.
Inside, officers found a maze of ventilation pipes, electrical wiring, and rows of cannabis plants on two floors. The factory included a grim living area used by the four men. A pit bull guard dog was also on site but posed no harm and was rehomed safely.
High-Stakes Getaway Ends in Injury and Arrest
When police raided the unit, Koci, Elezaj, and Saraci were caught inside. Sulaj tried to escape by running across the roof, falling through a neighbouring building and injuring his ankles. He received first aid on scene before hospital treatment and arrest.
Experts seized 1,048 cannabis plants, worth up to £900,000 at full maturity. The factory could produce four harvests per year, generating an estimated turnover of £3.6 million annually. The stolen electricity to power the setup cost £625 daily.
Police Warn of Organised Crime Dangers
“This factory is one of the largest we’ve seen in Southampton,” said DI Stuart Barton, the lead investigator. “By dismantling it, we’ve delivered a major blow to organised crime in Hampshire.”
“Cannabis production on this scale goes way beyond ‘a few drugs.’ It brings serious violence, firearms, and exploitation of children and vulnerable adults into our communities.”
“The dodgy electric wiring was a big fire risk, now thankfully fixed. We can only crack operations like this if the public comes forward with info. Even small tips can make a massive difference.”
Police urge locals to report any suspicions about drug dealing or cannabis growing in their area to help keep communities safe.
